More than two weeks after a local Marine was buried in his native Louisiana following his shooting death in the home of his estranged wife, authorities continue to weigh charges against his alleged shooter.
Investigators from the Hampton County Sheriff's Office haven't decided whether to press charges in connection with the July 15 death of Staff Sgt. Jerome Carter, 34, who was fatally shot after breaking into his estranged wife's home in Yemassee, Capt. Anthony Russell, Sheriff's Office spokesman, said Tuesday.
Carter's alleged shooter, Tusvon Russell, turned himself in to authorities soon after the shooting. He was questioned and released, according to authorities.
No charges have been filed against Tusvon Russell but the investigation into Carter's death continues, Capt. Russell said.
Investigators said they do not yet know what Staff Sgt. Jerome Carter intended when he broke through the bedroom window of the home on Pocotaligo Road, armed with a handgun, Russell said.
The couple had been separated for about a year. Carter had moved out about three months before his death to a house in Bluffton.
Once inside, Carter and Russell fought over the gun, which discharged during the scuffle, authorities said. The bullet struck Carter in the chest, authorities said.
Carter was later pronounced dead at the Medical University of South Carolina.
A memorial service was held last month at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, where Carter was stationed with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31.
He had been in the Corps for 16 years, according to Corps officials.
Carter was buried July 28 in Shreveport, La., according to press reports.
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